Engine distributor



R. H. HIEGER ENGINE DISTRIBUTOR April 6, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledSept. 26,. 1951 W M H. 9 7 MO& I m B m m Qfl April 6, 1954 Filed Sept.26, 1951 R. H. HIE GER 2,674,662

ENGINE DISTRIBUTOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 'INVENTOR. Ross/2r H. Haze/52ATTORNEYS.

Patented Apr. 6, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 6 Claims. 1

This invention relates to automotive distributors and more particularlyto distributors of the dual point or long dwell saturation type.

Advantages of dual point distributors have been well appreciated in theart for a number of years, and distributors of such a type have beenmanufactured and used with great success for a number of years. In viewof the greatly improved performance of an automobile engine and economyin its operation when provided with such a distributor, great inventiveefforts have been directed to the task of providing means wherebyconventional distributors already manufactured and in most cases used invehicles already on the road could be converted to distributors of thedual point type.

As is well known in the art, a dual point distributor includes twocircuit breaker arms instead of one, wired into the primary circuit ofthe engine ignition system in a predetermined manner. As seen by thoseskilled in the art, conversion of a conventional distributor into a dualpoint distributor requires removal and discarding of the originaldistributor breaker plate on which virtually the entire distributormechanism is mounted, and substituting therefor a new distributorbreaker plate with two breaker arms and other parts forming, in effect,a complete dual point distributor. In the process of such conversion,the distributor must be taken out of the engine and disassembled inorder to remove the shaft and the distributor breaker plate and to putthe new plate in. As a result, the setting of the distributor isdisturbed or destroyed, and a new setting is, therefore, required. Sucha system or method of conversion of a distributor is very cumbersome andconstitutes, in efiect, virtually a complete rebuilding or substitutionof the distributor with the exception of its housing, shaft, and a fewother parts. As such, it has little advantage over replacing theconventional distributor with a new dual point distributor and scrappingthe former. For this reason conversion of conventional distributorsalready on the road to dual point distributors and attaining the greatadvantages of the long dwell saturation inherent with dual pointdistributors, has been greatly impaired, made difficult and not easilyavailable or practicable for an automobile owner who has a conventionaldistributor already installed in the engine of his automobile.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improvedmethod and a mechanism with the use of which the above disadvantages areovercome and largely eliminated. and conversion of a conventionaldistributor to a dual point distributor is made very easy and simple.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved method andmechanism, or a set or kit of parts, with the use of which aconventional distributor installed in a motor vehicle can be simply andeasily converted into a dual type distributor without removing thedistributor from the engine or the distributor driving shaft out of thedistributor, and without disturbing the distributor setting.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide animproved method and a set of spare parts, with the use of which aconventional distributor installed in a motor vehicle can be speedilyand easily converted into a dual point distributor by an average garagemechanic by merely moving the distributor condenser to the outside ofthe distributor, installing an additiona1 breaker arm and revising oneelectrical connection.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a methodand means of the nature specified in the proceeding paragraph, whereby astock distributor arm of conventional type may be used for the secondarm and be installed in the distributor without disturbing its originalplate and by merely providing an auxiliary plate having locating meansensuring that the second arm is installed in a proper relation to thedistributor shaft and other parts of the distributor.

It is an added object of the present invention to provide an improvedmethod and a set of parts or a kit of the nature specified above, whichkit includes only a small number of parts simple in construction,dependable in operation and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, reference being had tothe accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, whereinlike reference characters designate corresponding parts in the severalviews.

Fig. 1 is an elevational view showing a conventional distributor adaptedto receive my improved auxiliary plate whereby it can be converted intoa dual point distributor.

Fig. 2 is a top view of the distributor of Fig. 1 with the cover thereofremoved.

Fig. 3 is a view similar in part to Fig. 2 and showing my auxiliaryplate operatively installed in the distributor of Figs. 1 and 2 therebyconverting the same into a dual point distributor.

Fig. 4 is a plan view showing one arm auxiliary plate with the arm fullyassembled thereon and ready to be installed in a distributor.

Fig. is an exploded view showing in perspective the kit of partsrequired to produce the assembly shown in Fig. 4 without includingtherein standard parts available in a garage stockroom.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, showing the upper endof the distributor shaft with the cam engaged with the rubbing block oftwo breaker arms.

Fig. 7 is a top view showing a converted distributor with a double armauxiliary breaker plate.

Fig. 8 shows the double arm auxiliary breaker plate separately.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and rrangement or? partsillustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capableof other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in variousways. Also it is to be understood the phraseology or terminologyemployed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

For a proper understanding the present invention, it should be clearlyundestood that the present invention relates to a distributor ofoverlapping long dwel dual point system and not to what is known in theart synchronising dual point system. In other words, the presentinvention relates to an improved method and means whereby addition ofthe seem .l arm in a single breaker arm distributor operates to increasethe dwell and not to double the number of cylinders serviced by thedistributor. It should. be appreciated further that modifyingdistributors by adding second thereto in order to double the number ofcylinders serviced by the distributor is an old expecli Lot, and thatthe present invention is not concerned therewith. On the other hand,those skilled in the art have considered it impossible to convertstandard distributor into a long dwell or saturation distributor bymeans of a simple attachment.

In accordance with the invention, I completely discard the conventionalpractice of converting conventional distributors into dual point or longdwell saturation distributors by discarding the distributor breakerplate. In accordance with the invention, I retain the originaldistributor breaker plate and do not disturb the factory setting of thedistributor.- T provide an auxiliary or supplementary breaker rte whichis adapted to be installed on the di. ributor breaker plate in place ofthe condenser, with the latter moved to the outside of the distributorhousing. More over, I utilize the condenser locating means provided onthe distributor breaker plate for locating my auxiliary plate and,consequently, the breaker arm in a proper relation to the other partsor" the distributor. The auxi ry plate is so constructed that itreceives a second standard breaker arm with its bracket and may besecured to the distributor breaker plate with a number of screws. Such aconversion can be attained without removing the distributor from theengine. In order to facilitate conversion of conventional distributorsin a garage or a service station, I provide a kit comprising theauxiliary plate, necessary screws, and a connecting insulated metalstrip for electrically connecting the breaker arms. Such kit need notinclude a breaker arm, since such arm is standard and may be procured ina garage from their own stockroom.

In the drawings there is shown, by way of example, a conventionaldistributor in its original form, and its converted form after theconversion was attained with the aid of my improved plate. Fig. 1 showsin elevation a conventional distributor of the type that is particularlyadapted f 1" conversion into a dual point or double arm distributor.Referring to the drawing, the distributor comprises a housing or casingH) housing within itself the operative mechanism of the distributorwhich is driven from the engine with the aid of a shaft II in a mannerwell known in the art. A diaphragm housing I2 housing a diaphragmmechanism of the character well known in the art is integrally formed orotherwise provided on the housing It. A removable cover 13 covering thehousing It! and connected thereto with the aid of spring clamps M isprovided in a manner well known in the art.

The distributor shaft H passes through the distributor breaker plate I5operatively arranged within the housing It and having mounted thereon,in a manner well known in the art, a condenser 16 having a bracket I!connected to the plate l5 with the aid of a screw H3. The bracket ll hasprovided thereon locating recesses |9l9 adapted to engage correspondingbosses provided on the plate Iii. The single breaker arm 20 is mounted,in a manner well known in the art, on a breaker arm bracket 2| connectedto the distributor breaker plate IS with the aid of screws 22 and 23.The screw 23 engages the bracket 2| at an elongated hole 25 providedthereon for the purpose of adjustments. An adjustment hole 25 isprovided on the plate 15. Notches 26 and 2i provided in the plate [5 (atthe hole 25) and the bracket 2|, respectively, permit use of ascrewdriver for moving the bracket for adjustments. The condenser i6 iselectrically connected with the breaker arm 20 with the aid of anelectrical conductor 28.

The construction described above is conventional and, therefore, neednot be described in further detail, since the description given above issufficient for the purpose of understanding the present invention.

In accordance with the invention, I provide an auxiliary breaker plate30 which is crescentshaped with rounded ends and having a step 3|provided at one of its ends to adapt the plate to underlie the end ofthe bracket 2 I. A straight hole 32 corresponding to the hole in thecondenser bracket ll engaged by the screw [8 is provided on the plate 30together with holes 33, 33 corresponding to the recesses l9, I9 of thecondenser bracket H. the stepped-up end of the auxiliary plate is sopositioned that when the plate 30 is placed on the plate I5 after thecondenser l6 and the screw 2i are removed therefrom, said hole 34 willregister with the hole in the bracket 2| formerly engaged by said screw22. Tapped holes 35 and 36 adapted to be engaged by screws 31 and 38 forconnecting the second breaker arm bracket 4| are provided on theauxiliary plate. A countersunk hole 39 is adapted to receive the shaft40 of the second breaker arm 42. An adjustment hole 29 with a notch isprovided on the plate. A connecting insulated strip 43 having holes 44,at its ends for connecting to the terminals of the breaker arms 20 and42 and an extra nut 45 is also provided as shown in Fig.

A hole 34 provided in 5. Fig. 5 illustrates all special andextra partsnecessary for a garage servicing distributors of the particular kind andhaving other standard parts therefor in stock, to convert suchdistributor into a dual point or long dwell saturation distributor.

For effecting the conversion, a standard breaker arm 42 with its bracket4|, identical to the breaker arm 20 with its bracket 2|, is installed ormounted on the plate 30 and connected to the plate 30 with the aid ofscrews 31 and 38. The plate so assembled may now be inserted into thedistributor. For installation of the plate, the condenser I6 isdisconnected from the arm 20, removed from the plate l5 and mounted onthe housing In with the aid of the screw 50 as shown in Fig. 3. Thescrew 22 is next removed, and the auxiliary plate 30 is placed in placein the distributor to have its holes 33,

33 engage the condenser engaging bosses provided on the plate [5. Thiswill properly locate the assembled plate and permit the insertion of thecondenser screw l8 through the hole 32 and the screw 49 for securing theplate 30 to the plate l5. It will be understood in view of the foregoingthat while the screws l8 and 49 engage the plate IE and secure theauxiliary plate 3%] to said plate Hi, the screws 3! and 38 connect thesecond breaker arm bracket 4| to the auxiliary plate 30 at holes 35 and36, which holes are, therefore, tapped. The desired adjustment of thepoints of the second breaker arm 42 is effected, in a manner well knownin the art, with the use of the adjustment hole 29 provided on theauxiliary plate 30. Thereupon the breaker arms 20 and 42 areelectrically interconnected with the aid of the strip 43, as is bestshown in Fig. 3. The condenser is electrically connected to the breakerarms across the distributor underneath thereof, the cover I3 isreplaced, and the distributor is now ready for use.

It will now be seen in view of the foregoing that by virtue of theprovision of my auxiliary plate, the conversion of the distributor ismade without disturbing the factory setting of the distributor andwithout the necessity of removing and substituting the plate H), as wellas without removing the shaft I I and performing a number of otherdifficult operations requiring considerable effort and time togetherwith high skill. Such operations are unavoidable where conventionalconversion devices and methods are used.

Fig. 8 illustrates a double-arm auxiliary plate with the aid of whichconversion similar to that effected with the plate 30 may also beeifected. One form of said plate is illustrated in Fig. 8 wherein it isdesignated generally by the numeral 60. Locating holes 63, 63corresponding to holes 33, 33 of the plate 30, and a screw-receivinghole 62 are provided to locate the entire plate on the distributorbreaker plate. Holes 64 and 65 are adapted to receive screws of :thefirst breaker arm bracket, while holes 66 and 61 receive the screws ofthe second breaker arm bracket. Some of the screws passing through saidholes engage the tapped holes already provided in the. distributorbreaker plate to connect the plate 60 thereto. Countersunk holes 68 and69 are adapted to receive the breaker arm shafts. Adjustment holes and Henable effecting necessary adjustments in each of the two breaker armbrackets. The entire plate has the shape substantially of a horseshoeand fits into the distributor over the distributor breaker plate afterthe condenser and the breaker arm bracket are removed therefrom.

With the use of such a double-arm plate, conversion of the distributoris made similar to that described with respect to the single breaker armauxiliary plate 30, with the exception that the original breaker armbracket with its breaker arm must be first removed from the distributortogether with the condenser. Two standard breaker arm brackets withbreaker arms are thereupon mounted on the plate 50. The condenser ismounted on the housing 10. A dis tributor so converted is shown in Fig.7.

There is thus provided improved auxiliary breaker arm plates with theaid of which conversion of conventional one arm distributors into two:arm distributors is made simple, easy, and dependable, whereby theobjects of the present invention listed above and numerous additionaladvantages are attained.

I claim:

1. An auxiliary plate for an engine distributor including a maindistributor breaker plate having mounted thereon one breaker arm on abracket and a condenser, with said main distributor breaker plate beingprovided with locating means for locating said condenser thereon andwith tapped holes adapted to receive screws holding said condenser andthe breaker arm bracket in place, and a cam having as many lobes asthere are engine cylinders; said auxiliary plate being adapted toreceive a second breaker arm and having means to coact with saidcondenser locating means to locate said auxiliary plate on saiddistributor plate and holes through which the condenser screws may beinserted to engage the distributor plate at said tapped holes and thusto hold the auxiliary plate rigidly and immovably on said plate in placeof said condenser, said second arm being adapted to be electricallyconnected with the first arm to produce closing of the primary circuitby the second arm ahead of the first arm to increase the dwell.

2. An auxiliary plate for use with an engine distributor including amain distributor breaker plate having mounted on one side thereof onebreaker arm on a bracket having a flat portion secured to said breakerplate by a screw, a condenser mounted on the opposite side of saidbreaker plate, with said main distributor breaker plate being providedwith condenser locating means and tapped holes to receive screws holdingsaid condenser in place, said distributor including a rotatable camcooperating with said breaker arm and having as many lobes as there areengine cylinders; said auxiliary plate being adapted to be mounted onsaid plate in the place of said condenser and being of crescent shapeand having means to engage said condenser locating means and providedwith apertures to overlie the tapped holes, one of the ends of saidauxiliary plate having a step to overlie the fiat portion of saidbracket and an aperture in said step through which the bracket-securingscrew may be passed for holding both the arm bracket and the auxiliaryplate to the distributor plate; said auxiliary plate adapted to havemounted thereon a second breaker arm adapted to cooperate with said cam,said arms being adapted to be electrically connected whereby rotation ofsaid cam causes the second breaker arm to close before the first breakerarm and to open before the first breaker arm, thereby increasing thedwell period.

3. An engine distributor including a cam having as many lobes as thereare cylinders in the engine, a distributor breaker plate having onebreaker arm provided thereon and having 10- cating means for locating acondenser and tapped holes receiving screws holding said condenser onsaid'plate, said breaker arm operatively engaging said distributor cam,an auxiliary plate having means engaging said locating means forpositively locating said auxiliary plate on said distributor plate, andthreaded connectors extend-- ing into said tapped holes to hold saidauxiliary plate on the distributor plate, a second breaker arm mountedon said auxiliary plate and adapted to cooperate with said distributorcam to cause an increased dwell period.

4. A kit for converting into an increased dwell distributor an ordinaryengine distributor including a distributor breaker plate having mountedthereon a single breaker arm on a bracket and a condenser, and includinga rotatable distributor cam having as many lobes as there are enginecylinders; said kit including an auxiliary lbreaker'plate adapted to berigidly and immovably mounted on the distributor breaker plate, afterthe condenser is removed therefrom, and to receive a second breaker arm,said auxiliary plate being crescent shaped and having one end stepped upto overlie said breaker arm bracket, screws for connecting said secondbreaker arm bracket to the auxiliary plate, and an insulated electricconductor member for connecting the two breaker arms to wire themtogether in a. manner to produce breaking of the primary current by thefirst arm only, with the second arm closing and opening before saidfirst arm.

An auxiliary breaker plate for an automobile engine distributor having adistributor breaker plate with a single breaker arm and a condensermounted on said plate, said distributor breaker plate having twolocating bosses adapted to engage two locating indentations provided ona condenser, said distributor breaker plate also having a tapped holefor receiving a screw holding said condenser in place; said auxiliaryplate being adapted to be mounted on said distributor breaker plate inplace of said condenser and having locating indentations adapted toengage said bosses on the breaker plate for locating said auxiliaryplate positively on said breaker-plate, said auxiliary plate beingfurther adapted to carry a second breaker arm, and having a screw holeregistering in predetermined position thereof with said tapped hole forreceiving a screw connecting the auxiliary plate to the distributorbreaker plate, said second breaker arm being adapted to be wiredtogether with the first arm to effect closing of the primary circuitahead of the first arm to increase the dwell period.

6. An auxiliary breaker arm plate for use in an engine distributorincluding a cam having as many lobes as there are cylinders in theengine, a distributor plate having mounted thereon onebreaker arm on abracket and acondenser, and provided with locating means for locatingsaid condenser and with tapped holes adapted to receive screws holdingsaid condenser and the breaker arm bracket having means adapted toengage said condenser locating means for positively locating theauxiliary plate on the distributor plate, said bracket being providedwith apertures located to overlie the distributor plate tapped holes,said auxiliary plate being adapted to be mounted on said distributorplate in place of said condenser as Well as breaker arm and its bracketmeans on said auxiliary plate to receive two breaker arms each adaptedto cooperate with said cam, said breaker arms being adapted to beelectrically connected to produce an increased dwell period.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

